Push on for making texting and driving primary offense

There were nearly 2,400 traffic crashes that involved distracted drivers last year in Southwest Florida. Now, there's a local push to make our texting and driving laws stricter.

Right now in Florida, you can only be cited for texting while driving if law enforcement pulls you over for another violation first, like speeding. Collier County is urging the state legislature to change that.

“I get calls all the time. Not necessary. Put the app on your phone that says you’re busy. It's really simple,” said Patrick Achilles, owner of Patric’s Restaurant.

Achilles says texting while driving is something he just doesn't understand.

“I am totally against texting and driving. It does not work; it's so extremely dangerous. It ties up traffic,” Achilles said.

The Collier County commissioners agree with him. They unanimously voted to send a resolution to the state legislature urging elected officials to change texting and driving to a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can pull you over if they see you texting and give you a ticket.

Beth Brainard with Naples Pathways Coalition has been working on this for years.

“Texting is by far the most dangerous means of distracted driving you can do because it takes your eye away from the road longer than you think,” Brainard said.

Florida is one of only four states where texting while driving is not a primary offense and Achilles hopes this year will be the year.